GB2244584A

GB2244584A - Central control of automatic cash depositing/drawing transaction machines

Info

Publication number: GB2244584A
Application number: GB9111790A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Akira Morito
Original assignee: Toshiba Corp
Current assignee: Toshiba Corp
Priority date: 1990-05-31
Filing date: 1991-05-31
Publication date: 1991-12-04
Also published as: GB9111790D0; KR940005824B1; KR910020581A; JP2868843B2; JPH0434641A

Abstract

In an automatic transaction system, a plurality of teller machines (3A, 3B) are operated to automatically execute cash depositing/drawing transactions, the teller machines being controlled by first and second teller machine controllers (1A, 1B). The two controllers are electrically connected and transition data and operation data of the automatic teller machines (3A, 3B) are stored in both of the teller machine controllers (1A, 1B). When the operation of one of the teller machine controllers (1A, 1B) is suspended control is shifted to the other controllers. Each controller includes means for confirming the state of the other controller at predetermined time intervals. The controllers may monitor the state of the teller mechanics and may transmit trouble details to a monitor centre (12). <IMAGE>

Description

"AUTOMATIC TRANSACTION SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATICALLY EXECUTING CASH DEPOSITING/DRAWING TRANSACTIONS" The present invention relates to an automatic transaction system for automatically executing cash depositing/drawing transactions.

Automatic teller machines such as cash depositing/ drawing apparatuses, which are installed in banks, are well known. A magnetic card or a magnetic bankbook is used as a transaction medium in the apparatus, and a customer, by his/her own operation, can automatically deposit or draw out cash (e.g. paper currency). The number of automatic teller machines is expected to increase more and more. Such apparatuses are operated even after business hours of banks, and they are installed in department stores, supermarkets, etc.

Under the situation, in general, the respective automatic teller machines are not independent from one another. In addition, these apparatuses cannot back up or support each other. For example, when the operation of the controller is suspended in the case where the control program of the controller for controlling the automatic teller machines is exchanged, or various data is fetched from the controller to the teller machines, or data is written in the controller, the operation of all teller machines is stopped. Thus, the transactions cannot be carried out, despite the fact that the parts of each automatic teller machine, which are necessary for the transactions, function normally.

The object of the present invention is to provide an automatic transaction system for automatically executing cash depositing/drawing transactions, wherein when the operation of one controller is temporarily halted, another controller controls an automatic teller machine which is normally controlled by said one controller.

According to this invention, there is provided an automatic transaction system for automatically executing cash depositing/drawing transactions, said system comprising: a plurality of automatic teller machines for automatically executing cash drawing transactions in response to a client's operation; and first and second teller machine controllers for controlling the automatic teller machines so that the automatic teller machines executes cash drawing transactions; each of said teller machine controllers including: means for communicating transaction data between of said teller machine controllers, means for discriminating whether the other teller machine controller can control the corresponding automatic teller machines on the basis of the transaction data, and means for controlling the the automatic teller machines used to controlled by the other teller machine controller in accordance with the discrimination result that the other teller machine controller can not control said corresponding automatic teller machines.

In this invention, two control means for automatic teller machines, for example, are electrically connected and data relating to the operation conditions of the automatic teller machines is always communicated between the two control means. When the operation of one control means is halted, the control by this control means is shifted to the other control means, whereby the other control means can control the automatic teller machines which are normally controlled by said one control means.

Accordingly, cash transactions can be carried out without halting the operation of the automatic teller machines, and the teller machines can be efficiently operated.

This invention can be more fully understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the general concept of an automatic transaction system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of an automatic teller machine shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the schematic structure of the machine shown in Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a transaction control apparatus shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the schematic structure of the transaction control apparatus shown in Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the system shown in Fig. 1, in the case where inquiries are made between teller machine controllers; and Figs. 7A and 7B are a flowchart showing the operation of the teller machine controller.

An automatic transaction system for automatically executing cash depositing/drawing transactions, according to an embodiment of the present invention, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the general concept of an automatic transaction system according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the automatic transaction system shown in Fig. 1, automatic teller machines such as automated teller machines (ATM) 3A, 3B, a register 4 and a balance checker 5 are installed in a building for transaction, for example, a bank branch. A plurality of teller machine controllers 1A, 1B for controlling these devices are connected to a branch local-area network (LAN) 2. The LAN 2 is connected to automatic teller machines in the branch, that is, ATMs 3A, 3B, register 4 and balance checker 5.

An external ATM 3c, provided outside the branch, is connected to the LAN 2 via a LAN connection adapter 6 provided within the branch. These automatic teller machines are centralized-controlled by the transaction control apparatuses 1A and 1B through the branch LAN 2.

The teller machine controllers 1A and 1B are connected to a host computer, a monitor center, etc., through telephone lines. Specifically, the teller machine controllers 1A and 1B are connected to modems 7A and 7B, to modems 8A and 8B of a computer center 9 via specific lines, and to a computer in the computer center 9. The computer center 9 stores transaction data relating to each of the accounts of customers who use the automatic teller machines. The computer center 9 also updates the transaction record of each account on the basis of transaction data sent from the teller machine controllers 1A and 1B, and sends transaction data based on the updated results to the teller machine controllers 1A and ls.

The teller machine controllers 1A and 1B have connectors for connection with external lines.

Specifically, the teller machine controllers 1A and 1B are connected to modems 10A and 10B for a networkcontrol unit (NCU). The controllers 1A and 1B are connected to a public line network 11 via the modems 10A and 10B. Thus, the teller machine controllers 1A and 1B can output various data through the public line network 11. The data from the teller machine controllers 1A and 1B is sent to a monitor center 12 via the public line network 11. For example, when the automatic teller machine is operated abnormally on the holidays, the monitor center 12 monitors the state of the automatic teller machine on the basis of the data from the teller machine controllers 1A and 1B. The automatic teller machine may be remote-controlled where necessary. In this case, when a trouble occurs in the apparatus, it is eliminated. If an unrecoverable trouble occurs or replenishment of currency in the automatic teller machine is determined to be needed, an instruction is given to a patrol car 13 to take necessary measures. The patrol car 13 receives the instruction from the monitor center 12 wirelessly through the public line network 11. The patrol car 13 makes routine observations in a predetermined region, for maintenance of automatic teller machines installed in the region. The methods of calling the patrol car 13 include a method calling it from the monitor center 12 and a method of calling it directly from the teller machine controllers 1A and 1B via the public line network 11.The method of directly calling the patrol car 13 from the teller machine controllers 1A and 1B is carried out, when the automatic teller machine 3A, 3B, which has malfunctioned, cannot be repaired remotely from the monitor center 12 and must be repaired manually: for example, when journal paper and/or cash set in the automatic teller machine 3A, 3B, 3C needs to be replenished, or when a system error has occurred.

When the occurrence of such trouble is told from the automatic teller machine to the teller machine controllers 1A, 1B, the controllers 1A and 2B determine, on the basis of the told data regarding the trouble, that the trouble cannot be dealt with by remote control and the patrol car 13 must immediately be called. The teller machine controllers 1A, 13 tells the trouble to the monitor center 12, as stated above, and the patrol car 13 is instructed to cope with the trouble, wirelessly through the NCU modems 10A and 10B and public line network 11.

The teller machine controllers 1A and 1B tell the details of the trouble to the patrol car 13.

Specifically, the controllers 1A and 1B transmit predetermined character sequences in accordance with the details of the trouble. The character sequences are sent to the patrol car 13 through the wireless system of the public line network 11. Once the patrol car 13 receives the character sequences, the character sequences are displayed on a display unit mounted in the patrol car 13. Thus, the patrol car 13 can directly receive the data of the trouble in the automatic teller machine, and the trouble can be immediately dealt with.

In addition, it is not necessary that commands be sent from the monitor center 12 to the patrol car 13.

In particular, this function is effective when the amount of stored currency in the storage unit of the automatic teller machine has become small ("near-end state"). Even in the near-end state, the automatic teller machine can continue normal operations; however, since the remaining currency is small, it is required to replenish currency quickly. Even when the patrol car 13 is told of the near-end state, the patrol car 13 need not go to the location of the automatic teller machine; however, problems likely to occur when other trouble is urgently dealt with or the route of patrolling is changed. Thus, effective system control is possible.

The teller machine controllers 1A and 1B are also connected to a service center 14 through the public line network 11. Service men are called from the service center 14 when the automatic teller machine has malfunctioned and repair is required, or periodical maintenance for preventing trouble is required.

Before service men are called from the service center 14, the service center 14 receives data relating to troubles of each automatic teller machine through the public line network 11. Specifically, the teller machine controllers 1A and 1B are commanded to tell the data relating to troubles to the service center 14 through the public line network 11. The teller machine controllers 1A and 1B store the data relating to the occurrence of trouble in each automatic teller machine, as well as the data relating to the operation data such as transaction data. The teller machine controllers 1A and 1B transmit the data relating to troubles to the service center 14, in response to the command from the service center 14.

Based on the data of troubles received by the service center 14, the service men are informed of the contents of necessary maintenance and are provided with necessary parts. Since the teller machine controllers 1A and 1B are connected to the service center 14 through the public line network 11, the service man sent from the service center 14 can receive a repair manual from the service center 14. In other words, technical staff for supporting service men are always stationed at the service center 14. When the trouble of the apparatus is complex and it cannot be repaired with service man's knowledge, appropriate instructions are provided through the public line network. The technical staff transmits the repair manual to the service man sent at the bank branch on an as needed basis.The repair manual is transmitted from the service center 14 to the teller machine controllers 1A, 1B and is printed out by the automatic teller machine. The automatic teller machine prints out the repair manual by means of a built-in printer, and outputs it to the service man.

When the printer for outputting the repair manual has malfunctioned, however, the manual cannot be printed out. In this case, the manual is output from the teller machine controller 1A, 1B. Upon receiving the repair manual from the service center 14, the teller machine controller 1A, 1B determines whether the manual can be output by the printer in the automatic teller machine, on the basis of the data of the trouble reported from the automatic teller machine. If the trouble is of the type which does not affect the printer, for example, jamming of currency, the repair manual is transmitted to the automatic teller machine and is output therefrom.

If the printer malfunctions and the output of the manual is determined to be impossible, a printer in the teller machine controller 1A, 1B outputs the manual. In this case, however, the service man is repairing the apparatus and is unable to know the fact that the repair manual has been output. Thus, the teller machine controller 1A, 1B informs the service man of the fact that the repair manual is output from the teller machine controller 1A, 1B, by displaying this fact on a display of the automatic teller machine, such as a customer operation guidance device. At this time, the automatic transaction device actuates a built-in buzzer, thus calling the service man's attention to the display.

The automatic teller machines connected to the branch LAN 2 will now be described. Fig. 2 shows the external appearance of the automatic teller machine (automated teller machine ATM) 3A (3B) of the various automatic teller machines. A client operation unit 103 is provided on the front side of a body 21. The unit 103 is recessed to have an L-shape, when viewed from the side face of body 21. The vertical surface of the client operation unit 103 has a bankbook insertion hole 22, a card insertion hole 23 and a slip issue hole 24.

The horizontal surface of the unit 103 has a cash inlet/outlet 25, a CRT display or guidance display 27 having operation keys 26, and a keyboard 28 having number keys.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing schematically the structure of the automatic teller machine 3A (3B) (hereinafter, only "apparatus 3A" or "ATM 3 is referred to, for the purpose of convenience). The ATM 3A is connected to the branch LAN 2. A LAN adapter 101, serving as a connector with branch LAN 2, is provided within the automatic teller machine 3A. Various data is transmitted between the branch LAN 2 and teller machine controllers 1A, 1B via the LAN adapter 101. LAN adapter 101 can temporarily store data sent from various processors in the ATM 3A, edit the data for data transmission/reception with the teller machine controllers 1A, 1B, and control the data transmission/reception procedures (protocol) in the branch LAN 2.

The ATM 3A includes transaction processors, for example, a person-in-charge operation unit 102, the aforementioned client operation unit 103, a card processor 104, a slip processor 105, a bankbook processor 106, a paper currency processor 107 and a hard currency processor 108.

The person-in-charge operation unit 102 has operation/display functions for a bank clerk or a maintenance service man who takes charge of the ATM 3A.

When paper currency or hard currency is set in the ATM 3A or when the ATM 3A must be repaired, the operation unit 102 provides suitable instructions to the person in charge. The operation unit 102 has an input function (e.g. number keys, etc.) by which the person in charge can designate the contents of operation for the ATM 3A.

The client operation unit 103, as mentioned above, displays operation guidance instructions for clients who use the ATM 3A, and transaction data is input from the operation unit 103. Specifically, the client operation unit 103 of the ATM 3A shows various transaction data (e.g. "In Operation", "Possible Transaction Items", etc.). Operation guidance instructions are displayed by the combination of a CRT and a touch panel, and operation input can be performed.

The card processor 104 receives a client's magnetic card through the card insertion hole 23 and reads the data on the card. The read-out magnetic data is sent to the teller machine controllers 1A and 1B through the LAN adapter 101 and branch LAN 2. As will be described later, the card processor 104 has a function of optically reading optical data on the card surface at its embossed portion. The read-out optical data is sent to the teller machine controllers 1A and 1B and is electronically recorded as magnetic card use record. The card processor 104 issues and receives a transfer card for designating a transfer destination in a transfer transaction.

The slip processor 105 issues a transaction slip showing transaction data to the client who does not carry the bankbook. The data printed on the slip is edited by the teller machine controllers 1A and 1B and is sent to the slip processor 105 through the branch LAN 2 and LAN adapter 101.

The bankbook processor 106 receives the client's bankbook through the bankbook insertion hole 22, prints transaction data on the bankbook, and returns it. The transaction data is transmitted to the computer center 9 from the teller machine controllers 1A and 1B for inquiry in connection with the corresponding account recorded in the computer center 9. The teller machine controllers 1A and 1B receive the data to be printed on the bankbook from the computer center 9 in connection with the inquiry data. In addition, the bankbook processor 106 reads the magnetic data on the magnetic stripe attached to the surface of the bankbook, and writes necessary data on the magnetic stripe. Thus, the client, who does not carry the magnetic card but only the bankbook, can conduct various transactions.

Furthermore, when no space for printing remains on one page of the bankbook, the bankbook processor 106 automatically turns the new page. If all pages of the bankbook have been used, a new bankbook is automatically issued.

The paper currency processor 107 has a currency receiving function of receiving and counting the paper currency which is brought by the client for deposit or transfer, and a cash-dispensing function of dispensing paper currency to the client for payment or change. The processor 106 also has a replenishment function of counting and receiving paper currency which is set by the person in charge, and a checking function of checking the actual contents of cash in the ATM 3A. By virtue of the replenishment function and checking function, the cash in the ATM 3A can be surely checked. The data relating to the amount of cash is sent to the teller machine controllers 1A and 1B via the LAN adapter 101 and branch LAN 2.The data of the stored cash is recorded in the teller machine controllers 1A and 1B, and on the basis of the cash data, the teller machine controllers 1A and 1B calculate a method of efficiently using the cash among ATMs and give instructions to the person in charge to replenish or remove the cash.

The hard currency processor 108 has cash receiving/ dispensing functions and cash replenishment/checking functions regarding hard currency, like the paper currency processor 107.

Regarding the above-described structure, a process of a client's transaction with use of, for example, ATM 3A, will now be described. For example, a description is given of a cash dispensing transaction using a magnetic card. The teller machine controller 1A checks, through the branch LAN 2, whether the respective processors in the ATM 3A are in the operable state. The respective processors in ATM 3A automatically checks if there is abnormality and if slips and cash necessary for transactions are sufficiently set. If there is no abnormality, a response "transaction is possible" is sent to the teller machine controller 1A. The controller 1A sends a request for permission of transaction start to the computer center 9 connected via a specific line.Once the computer center 9 permits the transaction start, the teller machine controller 1A enables the ATM 3A to start the transaction if the ATM 3A is in the "transmission possible" state. Specifically, the teller machine controller 1A commands the client operation unit 103 of ATM 3A to display the message "In Operation" and also display the message "Please depress a transaction key" on the CRT display of operation unit 103. The teller machine controller 1A commands the card processor 104 and/or bankbook processor 106 to receive a card and/or a bankbook. Thus, the client can transact with the ATM 3A and can deposit, withdraw or transfer cash.

Similarly, the teller machine controller 1A sets other automatic teller machines, such as ATM 3B, register 4 and balance checker 5, in operative state.

The teller machine controller 1A (1B) will now be described in detail (hereinafter only "teller machine controller lA" is referred to, for the sake of convenience). Fig. 4 shows the external appearance of the teller machine controller 1A. The teller machine controller 1A has a display 201, for example, a plasma display. The display 201 shows the operation data of each automatic teller machine. General-purpose keys 202 are arranged below the display 201. The keys 202 are operated when the person in charge performs regular work or changes the displayed contents on the display 201.

The lower part of the screen of the display 201 shows the names of functions corresponding to the respective general-purpose keys 202. Referring to the shown functions, the corresponding key can be depressed to select and carry out a desired function. The functions designated to the keys 202 can be changed where necessary, and also the names of functions shown on the lower part of the screen of display 201 can be changed accordingly.

In the normal state, it is not necessary to operate a keyboard 203. Even if the keys of keyboard 203 are depressed in the normal state, the depression of keys is logically invalidated. Only in a special case, for example, when the conditions stored in the teller machine controller 1A are to be rewritten or when a special command is issued to the automatic teller machine, the operation of the keyboard 203 is regarded as valid and data can be input from the keyboard 203.

The person in charge sets a slip at a slip printer 204 of the teller machine controller 1A. Necessary data is printed on the slip. The operation data of each automatic teller machine and the data relating to the remaining cash and medium are printed on the slip by the operation performed by the person in charge with use of general-purpose keys 202.

The person in charge manually inserts a magnetic card into a card reader 205 of the teller machine controller 1A and slides it along the reader 205. Thus, the magnetic data recorded on the card is read out. The card to be inserted may be a person-in-charge card, a manager card, or a maintenance service man card. In accordance with the inserted card, the displayed data on the display 201 and operation menu are changed. Of magnetic data recorded on the magnetic card, card number data is registered in advance in accordance with card classifications. The teller machine controller 1A reads the card number and recognizes the card classification, and changes the built-in program according to the card classification.

The magnetic card read by the card reader 205 is held in a card holder 206. While the card is held in the card holder 206, the magnetic data read by the card reader 205 is valid and operations are possible. A floppy-disc drive 207 is built in the teller machine controller 1A in order to change the program for the teller machine controller 1A or to transfer the inside data to a floppy disc.

Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing schematically the structure of the teller machine controller 1A. A main controller or a CPU 200 performs total control. The main controller 200 is connected to the above-described display 201, general-purpose keys 202, keyboard 203, slip printer 204, card reader 205, card holder 206 and floppy-disc drive 207. The main controller 200 is also connected to a program memory 208 for storing a program for the main controller 200 and a data memory 209 for storing data necessary for executing the program. The main controller 200 is connected to a hard-disc unit 210 serving as a non-volatile memory. The hard-disc unit 210 stores data of transactions carried out in each automatic teller machine.

In addition, the main controller 200 is connected to a modem interface 211 which enables the teller machine controller 1A to be connected to the computer center 9 via the modem 7A over a specific line. The main controller 200 is also connected to a modem interface 211 which enables the teller machine controller 1A to be connected to the monitor center 12, patrol car 13 and service center 14 via the public line network 11.

Upon receiving commands from the main controller 200, the modem interfaces 211 and 212 deliver the data from the main controller 200 to the modem 7A and NCU modem 10A according to predetermined procedures. The modem interfaces 211 and 212 also receive the data from the computer center 9, monitor center 12, patrol car 13 and service center 14 via the modem 7A and NCU modem 10A, and supply the received data to the main controller 200.

The main controller 200 is connected to a LAN interface 213 for connection with the branch LAN 2.

Data is transmitted through the LAN interface 213 between the main controller 200 and the automatic teller machines connected to the branch LAN 2. Further, the main controller 200 is connected to an external printer interface 214. A large quantity of print data, which cannot be printed by the built-in slip printer 204, is output to an external printer (not shown) via the interface 214.

In the automatic transaction system having the above structure, the transaction processing of, e.g.

the ATM 3A will now be described. A client who intends to withdraw cash from the ATM 3A carries his/her own magnetic card and bankbook. The client starts the transaction operation, in accordance with the operation guidance displayed on the CRT display 27 of the client operation unit 103 of the ATM 3A. Specifically, the client designates the execution of cash withdrawal by operating the touch panel of the operation unit 103.

The operation unit 103 tells the fact that the cash withdrawal has been designated by the operation of the touch panel to the teller machine controller 1A via the LAN adapter 101 and branch LAN 2.

The teller machine controller 1A starts the withdrawal transaction in accordance with the transaction program stored in the program memory 208. Specifically, the teller machine controller 1A enables, via the branch LAN 2, the client operation unit 103 of the ATM 3A to display the image of instructions regarding the insertion of the magnetic card. In addition, the teller machine controller 1A enables the card processor 104 of the ATM 3A to receive the client's magnetic card, check the card with respect to prescribed items, and read magnetic data recorded on the card. If the magnetic card is normal, the teller machine controller 1A is informed to that effect. The card processor 104 receives the client's magnetic card, reads the magnetic data, and transmits the read data to the teller machine controller 1A.

Similarly, the teller machine controller 1A commands the bankbook processor 106 to receive the bankbook. If the client does not have the bankbook, the client inputs the data "No Bankbook" in the touch panel of the client operation unit 103. Further, the teller machine controller 1A commands the client operation unit 103 of the ATM 3A to display the screen for guidance instructions relating to the input of the password and the amount to be withdrawn. Then, the client inputs the password and the amount to be withdrawn. The input data, such as magnetic data and password, is stored in the data memory 209 of the teller machine controller 1A.

After the data has been input, the teller machine controller 1A transmits the transaction data to the computer center 9 via the modem 7A while storing the same data in the hard disc unit 210.

The teller machine controller 1A, when it has received a transaction permission from the computer center 9, stores the received data in the hard disc unit 210 and commands the paper currency processor 107 of the ATM 3A to dispense paper currency and also commands the bankbook processor 106 to print transaction data on the bankbook. If some hard currency must be dispensed, the teller machine controller 1A commands the hard currency processor 108 to dispense the hard currency. If the client does not have the bankbook, the teller machine controller 1A commands the slip processor 105 to print transaction data on a slip and deliver it to the client.

When these procedures have been normally finished, the paper currency (and hard currency), as well as the magnetic card, slip and bankbook, is delivered to the client and the transaction is completed.

Similarly with the above sequence of operations, the transactions such as deposition of cash, transfer of public utilities charges, balance checking and bankbook register are executed.

Now a description will be given of how the transaction data is stored in the hard disc unit 210. As has been described above, the teller machine controller 1A stores, in the hard disc unit 210, that data fed from each ATM and computer center 9 which must be recorded and retained. The data to be stored in the hard disc unit 210 includes transaction data of each ATM, data of paper currency and hard currency remaining in each ATM, and maintenance data of the automatic teller machines.

The memory of the hard disc unit 210 having a plurality of divided memory areas, and respective transaction data is stored in corresponding memory areas.

The transaction data of each transaction, which is stored in the hard disc unit 210, is also stored in a hard disc unit 210 of another ATM 1B connected to the same branch LAN 2, when the transaction is completed.

In case the hard disc unit 210 of teller machine controller 1A has malfunctioned and the read-out of the stored transaction data is disabled, the same transaction data can be read out from the hard disc unit 210 of the teller machine controller 1B. In addition, on the basis of the data stored in the teller machine controller ls, the transaction processing can be performed in any of the teller machines.

The transaction data is successively stored in the hard disc unit 210 of the teller machine controller 1A while the transaction is being performed, and after the transaction is exactly completed, the transaction data is transferred to the hard disc unit 210 of the teller machine controller 1B via the branch LAN 2. For example, when the cash withdrawal transaction is carried out by the ATM 3A, if paper currency to be withdrawn is jammed in the paper currency processor 107, this transaction cannot be continued. In this case, the teller machine controller 1A tells the cancel of the transaction to the computer center 9. If such trouble occurs in the transaction, the transaction data varies and increases. If all transaction data is transferred to the teller machine controller 1B, the amount of traffic of branch LAN 2 increases.Consequently, the increase in the traffic increases the wait time for the transmission of data and commands between the ATMs 3A and 3B and the teller machine controllers 1A and 1B. In particular, the responsiveness to the client's operations is degraded. Thus, after one teller machine controller 1A has executed the transaction and the transaction data has been stored in its hard disc unit 210, the same transaction data is transferred to the other teller machine controller 1B at the time when all transaction data is produced. That is, after all mediums are delivered to the client and the client draws out all mediums, the data is transferred from the teller machine controller 1A to the teller machine controller 1B via the branch LAN 2.

Thus, the traffic amount of the branch LAN 2 can be reduced and the good responsiveness of the ATMs 3A and 3B can be maintained. Since the transaction data is stored in the two teller machine controllers 1A and 1B, data destruction due to trouble can be prevented. The same transaction data exchange can be carried out between the teller machine controllers, with respect to the data relating to the mediums (paper currency, hard currency, slips, etc.) set in each automatic teller machine and the data relating to the operation conditions corresponding to the respective transaction items of automatic teller machines.

The relationship between the teller machine controllers and the ATMs will now be described.

In this embodiment, two teller machine controllers 1A and 1B and a plurality of ATMs 3A to 3B are connected to the branch LAN 2. Normally, each teller machine controller controls predetermined ATMs. The ATMs corresponding to each teller machine controller are registered, and the transactions in each ATM is carried out by the corresponding teller machine controller.

For example, when the service center 14 commands the teller machine controller 1A to report its operation conditions (e.g. trouble data) to the center 14, the controller controller 1A tells the operation conditions of the associated ATMs to the service center 14 via the NCU modem 10A. The data relating to the operation conditions of the ATMs is collected over a long time period (e.g. one to three months) and the total data is very large because the number of controlled ATMs is two or more; thus, the time required for the report is long.

If some transaction is carried out during the reporting, the responsiveness of the ATMs is degraded. Under the situation, the teller machine controller 1A shifts the control to the other teller machine controller 1B.

Specifically, when the service center 14 commands the teller machine controller 1A to report the operation conditions, the controller 1A issues a command to the teller machine controller 1B, thereby temporarily shifting part of the control of ATMs to the controller 1B via the branch LAN 2.

As has been stated above, the data of the transaction operation conditions of the ATMs 3A to 3B is always exchanged between the two teller machine controllers 1A and 1B and the controllers 1A and 1B have the same data.

Thus, the teller machine controller 1B can immediately take the control, as soon as the control of ATMs has been shifted. For example, the ATM 3A, which executes transactions under the control of the teller machine controller 1A, is controlled by the teller machine controller 1B after the control has been shifted.

While a great deal of operation data is transferred from the teller machine controller 1A to the service center 14, the ATMs 3A to 3B can continue the transaction processing. There is a concern, however, that since two ATMs are controlled by one teller machine controller temporarily, the responsiveness of the ATMs is degraded. However, the number of ATMs controlled by the teller machine controller is set so that the responsiveness may not be affected even if the ATMs are operated at a maximum capacity. Accordingly, if the service center 14 issues a command at the time at which the ATMs are not operated at a maximum capacity, a single teller machine controller can control the ATMs without degrading the responsiveness.

The above description has been directed to the case where the operation condition data is transferred from the teller machine controllers 1A and 1B to the service center 14. Where the control by one teller machine controller is shifted to the other teller machine controller, for example, where a new program is added to the teller machine controller and the additional program is transferred from the service center 14 to the teller machine controller, the control over the ATMs can be similarly shifted while the additional program is transferred and exchanged by the teller machine controller.

The teller machine controllers 1A and 1B mutually monitor the operation states, as shown in Figs. 6, 7A and 7B. Specifically, the teller machine controllers 1A and 1B issue an inquiry to each other in response to an inquiry timing signal which is generated at predetermined time intervals from a timer 215 shown in Fig. 5, as to whether the counterpart controller functions normally. If no response is made to the inquiry, it is determined that the counterpart controller does not function normally.

In the case where an inquiry is issued and the normal state is determined and thereafter some data such as transaction data, which ensures the normal state of the counterpart controller, is transferred from the counterpart controller within a predetermined time period, it is determined at this time that the counterpart controller functions normally. In this case, the measurement within the predetermined time period is set once again.

Accordingly, in the case where some data which ensures the normal state of the counterpart controller is transferred from the counterpart controller within the predetermined time period, an inquiry as to whether the counterpart controller functions normally is not issued.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the inquiry between the first and second teller machine controllers.

The first teller machine controller 1A issues an operation inquiry as to the operation state to the counterpart second teller machine controller 1B (step 601).

The second teller machine controller 1B returns a normal response and starts a monitor timer (steps 602 and 603).

When the first teller machine controller 1A receives the normal response from the second controller 1B, the first controller 1A starts a monitor timer 215 (step 604). If the first teller machine controller 1A receives transaction data (step 605) from from the second teller machine controller 1B (step 606) before the time 215 set by the timer 215 has passed, the second teller machine controller 1A resets and starts the monitor timer 215 (step 607). In order to indicate the normal reception of transaction data to the second teller machine controller 1B, the second teller machine controller 1A returns a reception response to the second teller machine controller 1B. Upon receiving the reception response, the second teller machine controller 13 re-starts the monitor timer 215 (step 608).

When transaction processing is not carried out in either controller, the time set by the monitor timer of the first teller machine controller 1A has passed (step 609). Then, the first teller machine controller 1A issues an operation inquiry to the second teller machine controller 1B (step 610). The second teller machine controller 1B returns a normal response to the first controller 1A when the operation of the second controller 1B is normal (step 611) and starts the monitor timer 215 (step 612). Upon receiving the normal response from the second teller machine controller 1B, the first teller machine controller 1A determines that the second controller 1B is normal and starts the monitor timer 215 (step 613).

When an abnormal state occurs in the second teller machine controller 1B (step 614), the following operation is carried out. When the time set by the monitor timer has passed (step 616), the first teller machine controller 1A issues an operation inquiry to the second teller machine controller 1B (step 616). The second controller 1B, however, is unable to return a normal response because of the abnormal state. The first controller 1A then determines that the first controller 1B does not function normally (step 617).When the first teller machine controller 1A determines that the second controller 1B is not normal, the display 201 of the first controller 1A indicates that the second controller 1B is abnormal and executes the control of the automatic teller machines (ATMs, etc.) controlled by the second controller 13. In this case, it is possible that the automatic teller machines controlled by the second controller 1B are currently carrying out transactions.

Under the situation, the first teller machine controller 1A starts the control and simultaneously issues an inquiry to each automatic teller machine as to whether any medium remains in each apparatus. In case any medium remains, each apparatus is commanded to deliver the medium to the client. If cash remains, an inquiry is issued to the paper currency processor 107 and hard currency processor 108, as to whether the cash is being received or dispensed. Where the cash is being received, the cash is returned, and where the cash is being dispensed, the cash is recovered. At the same time, the mediums are returned to the client and restart of the transaction is proposed to the client. Thus, even if the second teller machine controller 1B malfunctions while the client is executing the transaction, the transaction can be canceled and restarted.Even if the controller malfunctions, the transaction can be normally executed.

The control transfer operation between the first and second teller machine controllers 1A and 1B will be described in more detail. One of the teller machine controllers 1A and 1B, for example, the first teller machine controller 1A confirms whether the first teller machine controller 1A has received a command of reporting an operation state or transaction data from the second controller 1B at the time of the inquiry 610 (step 711).If the first teller machine controller 1A has received the reporting command and can shift the control operation for controlling the corresponding teller machines 3A and/or 3B to the second tellermachine controller 1B (step 712), the first controller 1A outputs a command of control transfer to the second teller machine controller 1B (step 713). Thus, the first teller machine controller 1A transmits the operation state or transaction data concerning the operation of the teller machine, to the second teller machine controller 1B (714). Thereafter, it is confirmed by the first teller machine controller 1A whether the control operation should be shifted from the second teller machine controller 13 to the first teller machine controller 1A (step 716) after the transaction data has been transferred to the second teller machine controller 1B from the first teller machine controller 1A (step 715). If the second teller machine controller 1B is busy for controlling the teller machines 1A and 1B, the first teller machine controller 1A determines to stop the shift of the control operation.If the second teller machine controller 1B is not busy and the first teller machine controller 1A is maintained in the state wherein the control operation can be shifted from the second controller 1B to the first controller 1A (step 717), the command of the shifting the control operation is issued from the first teller machine controller 1A to the second teller machine controller 1B (step 718) and the second teller machine controller 1A starts to shift the control operation from the second controller 1A to the first control 1B.

When the first teller machine controller 1A has not receive the command of reporting the operation state (step 711), the first teller machine controller confirms whether it has received from the second teller machine controller 1B a command of down-loading a program stored in the first teller machine controller 1A for controlling the teller machine 3A, 3B (step 719). If the first teller machine controller 1A has received the down-load command and can shift the control operation for controlling the corresponding teller machines 3A and/or 3B to the second teller machine controller 1B (step 720), the first controller 1A outputs a command of shifting the control transfer to the second teller machine controller 1B (step 721).Thus, the first teller machine controller 1A starts to down-load the control program to the second teller machine controller 1B from the first teller machine controller 1A (722). Thereafter, it is confirmed by the first teller machine controller 1A whether the control operation should be shifted from the second teller machine controller 1B to the first teller machine controller 1A (step 724) after the control program has been transferred to the second teller machine controller 1B from the first teller machine controller 1A (step 723). If the second teller machine controller 1B is busy for controlling the teller machines 1A and 1B, the first teller machine controller 1A determines to stop the shift of the control operation.If the second teller machine controller 1B is not busy and the first teller machine controller 1A is maintained in the state wherein the control operation can be shifted from the second controller 1B to the first controller 1A (step 725), the command of the shifting the control operation is issued from the first teller machine controller 1A to the second teller machine controller 1B (step 726) and the second teller machine controller 1A starts to shift the control operation from the second controller 1A to the first controller 1B.

When the first controller 1A has not received the down-load command but received the instruction or command of shifting the control operation from the second controller (steps 719 and 727), the first controller 1A checks whether the first controller can shift the control operation to the second controller 1B (728). If the control transfer is possible, the first controller 1A issues the command of shifting the control transfer to the second teller machine controller 1B (step 729) and the issue of the shifting command from the first controller 1A is displayed on the first controller 1B.

Thus, the operator can check the first teller machine controller 1A, correct the control program stored in the first controller 1A, change the condition of the first controller 1A, or retrieve the transaction stored in the second controller 1B (730). After the maintenance of the first controller 1A is end (step 732), it is confirmed by the first teller machine controller 1A whether the control operation should be shifted from the second teller machine controller 1B to the first teller machine controller 1A (step 732). If the second teller machine controller 1B is busy for controlling the teller machines 1A and 1B, the first teller machine controller 1A determines to stop the shift of the control operation.If the second teller machine controller 1B is not busy and the first teller machine controller 1A is maintained in the state wherein the control operation can be shifted from the second controller 1B to the first controller 1A (step 733), the command of the shifting the control operation is issued from the first teller machine controller 1A to the second teller machine controller 1B (step 7734) and the second teller machine controller 1A starts to shift the control operation from the second controller 1A to the first controller 1B.

When the first teller machine controller 1A has not issued the control transfer instruction to the first controller 1A and the first controller 1A is abnormal (steps 735), no response is received from the first controller 1A by the second controller 1B so that the control operation of the first controller 1A is shifted to the second controller 1B and the teller machine controller 1B starts to control the teller machines 3A, 3B.

As has been described above in detail, according to the automatic transaction system of the present invention, two control means for automatic teller machines, for example, are electrically connected and data relating to the operation conditions of the automatic teller machines is always communicated between the two control means. When the operation of one control means is halted, the control by this control means is shifted to the other control means, whereby the other control means can control the automatic teller machines which are normally controlled by said one control means.

Accordingly, the automatic teller machines can be efficiently operated without halt.

Claims

Claims:

1. An automatic transaction system for automatically executing cash drawing transactions, said system comprising: a plurality of automatic teller machines for automatically executing cash drawing transactions in response to a client's operation; and first and second teller machine controllers for controlling the automatic teller machines so that the automatic teller machines executes cash drawing transactions; each of said teller machine controllers including:: means for communicating transaction data between of said teller machine controllers, means for discriminating whether the other teller machine controller can control the corresponding automatic teller machines on the basis of the transaction data, and means for controlling the the automatic teller machines used to controlled by the other teller machine controller in accordance with the discrimination result that the other teller machine controller can not control said corresponding automatic teller machines.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein said teller machine controller includes memory means for storing the transaction data of the automatic teller machines.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein said one teller machine controller includes means for receiving, from the other teller machine controller via communication means, transaction data of the automatic teller machine controlled by the other teller machine controller as control data, and stores the control data in the memory means.

4. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: a control system for controlling the teller machine controller; and means for controlling communication of transaction data between the control system and the teller machine controller.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein each of said teller machine controllers includes a timer for energizing communicating means to communicate the transaction data between the other teller machine controller in a predetermined cycle.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein said automatic teller machine includes means for transmitting to the other teller machine controller cash data relating to currency for transaction and stored currency.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein said teller machine controller includes input means for inputting a control parameter and updating the control parameter stored in the memory means in the teller machine controller.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein said teller machine controller includes printing means for printing the data relating to the operation state of the automatic teller machine and transaction data.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein said one teller machine controller issues an inquiry to the other teller machine controller as to whether the other teller machine controller is maintained in normal or abnormal condition, via communication means at regular time intervals.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein said one teller machine controller determines that the other teller machine controller is in the abnormal condition, when a normal response is not issued from the other teller machine controller.

11. An automatic transaction system for automatically executing cash drawing transactions, said system comprising: a plurality of automatic teller machines for automatically executing cash depositing/drawings transactions in accordance with a client's operation; a control center for storing a predetermined control program; and teller machine controllers for controlling the automatic teller machines, each of said teller machines including: means for determining whether communication, a control data with the control center; means for transferring the control of the teller machine to enable the other teller machine controller to control the automatic teller machine, in the case where control data is communicated with the center; and means for carrying out communications the control data after the control is transferred to the other teller machine controller.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein said determining means includes means for communicating a control data with the control center at the time of reporting the operation condition or down-loading the control program from the control center.

13. The system according to claim 11, wherein said carrying-out means includes means for communicating the control data for reporting the operation condition or down-loading the program from the center.

14. The system according to claim 11, wherein said transferring means includes means for communicating the control data at the time of reporting the operation condition or down-loading the program from the center.

15. An automatic transaction system for automatically executing cash withdrawing transactions, said system comprising: a plurality of automatic teller machines for automatically executing cash withdrawing transactions in accordance with a client's operation; at least two teller machine controllers for communicating the center and the the automatic teller machines and controlling the automatic teller machine: each of said teller machine controllers including: means for storing transaction data, such as the remaining number of paper currency, for controlling the automatic teller machines; means for controlling the automatic teller machine in accordance with the contents of the storing means; means for determining whether the other teller machine controller is normal or not; and means for transferring the control of the teller machine from the one teller machine controller to the other teller machine controller, when the other teller machine controller is not normal.

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein each of said teller machine controllers includes means for confirming the state of the other teller machine controller at predetermined time intervals.

17. The system according to claim 15, wherein each of said teller machine controllers has means for designating the transfer of control from the one teller machine controller to the other teller machine controller.

18. An automatic transaction system for automatically executing cash depositing/drawing transactions, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.